What is the name of the mite that affects cats? - briefly
The mite that infests cats is Notoedres cati, commonly referred to as the feline scabies mite. It causes intense itching and skin lesions in affected animals.
What is the name of the mite that affects cats? - in detail
The primary ectoparasite that infests feline ears is Otodectes cynotis, commonly referred to as the ear mite. It is a microscopic, oval‑shaped arachnid that colonizes the external auditory canal, feeding on wax and skin debris.
Life cycle: adult females lay 10‑30 eggs per day; eggs hatch in 3‑4 days into larvae, which develop into protonymphs after 3‑4 days, then into deutonymphs in another 3‑4 days, and finally mature into adults within 2‑3 weeks. The entire cycle occurs on the host, allowing rapid population growth.
Typical clinical signs:
- Intense head shaking and frequent ear scratching
- Dark, crumbly debris resembling coffee grounds in the ear canal
- Redness, inflammation, and secondary bacterial infection
Diagnostic approach:
- Otoscopic examination revealing visible mites and debris
- Microscopic identification of mites from ear swab material
- Cytological smear to assess inflammatory cells and bacterial presence
Treatment options:
- Topical acaricides (e.g., selamectin, moxidectin, or pyrethrin‑based formulations) applied according to label intervals
- Systemic ivermectin or milbemycin oxime for severe infestations
- Thorough cleaning of the ear canal with a veterinarian‑approved solution to remove debris before medication
Prevention strategies:
- Routine ear inspections during regular health checks
- Monthly preventive parasiticides that include acaricidal activity
- Isolation of newly acquired animals for at least two weeks and treatment if mites are detected
Other feline mites of veterinary relevance include Demodex cati (hair follicle mite) and Notoedres cati (feline scabies mite). Both differ in habitat, morphology, and clinical presentation, requiring distinct diagnostic and therapeutic protocols.